Rehearsals take place for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding rehearsals in pictures.

Sean Mandell, a TMZ reporter who has been speaking to dad Thomas Markle, said the bride-to-be has suffered a "trying time" following the revelation he had been staging snaps.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain this morning, Mr Mandell said Meghan's father had not spoken directly to his daughter but had heard about her state.

The reporter said: "She is holding up, from what I've been told. It has been a tearful, at times, and a trying time for her."

He added she was "embarrassed" by the episode but added: "She's no stranger to having to deal with hard moments in her life."

Thomas Markle Jr, the brother of Ms Markle, told the Mirror: "My dad will be heartbroken that he cannot be with Meg in Windsor to walk her down the aisle.

"He would have moved heaven and earth to be there."

Despite her parents divorcing when she was six, Harry's future wife has remained close to her father.

Responding to reports surrounding her father's attendance at the wedding, Kensington Palace said on Monday that it was a "deeply personal moment for Ms Markle."

Meghan's mother Doria Ragland has been tipped as a stand-in to walk their daughter down the aisle at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel.

Following Thursday morning's announcement, Doria Ragland's odds have been cut into just 1/3 of performing the honours.

Prince Charles follows behind at 3/1, with Prince William rated as a 5/1 shot. Harry's close pals Tom Inskip (8/1), Mark Dyer (9/1) and Guy Pelly (10/1) do seem more likely than Prince Philip (16/1) being asked to assist the bride on her big day.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: "It's incredibly sad how events over the last few days have unfolded, resulting in Meghan's father unable to attend the wedding.

"All fingers now firmly point towards Doria walking her daughter down the aisle on Saturday."